India, June 3 -- The long wait finally ended on Tuesday. For 18 years, the phrase "Ee Sala Cup Namde" transformed from a passionate cheer to a punchline for trolls. RCB had come close to the elusive IPL trophy three times before-most recently in 2016-but it was in 2025 that the drought ended. In his first season as captain, Rajat Patidar led the side to their maiden title, as RCB edged out Punjab Kings by six runs in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Few expected Patidar to be in the race to become the next captain after RCB had ended ties with Faf du Plessis last October, before the mega auction. The general expectation and the media speculation largely hinted at Virat Kohli's return to captaincy since steppin...